Sights & Sounds

April – May 2008

NEWS:

As you might know, Marlee Matlin is competing on Dancing with the Stars this season. Marlee, an Oscar winning actress, has never let her profound hearing loss stand in the way of her success. Special hearing instruments were designed just for her use while performing on the show. Although still technically deaf, these custom hearing instruments will allow Marlee to hear the beat of the music better so she can more effectively compete in the show. This is not only an important moment in Marlee’s life, it is an opportunity for her to speak out for all people with hearing loss and for the industry. The longer she is on the show, the more attention is brought to this important cause.

EVENTS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH VISION LOSS

EXERCISE GROUP

Mondays from 9:30 - 10:30am. These are low-impact exercises with a great group of people at the Center for Sight & Hearing.

DISCUSSION GROUP

Mondays from 10:30am - 12:00pm. Held at the Center for Sight & Hearing.

SUPPORT GROUP

The Keen Age Center, at 2141 Henry Luckow Lane in Belvidere, offers a low vision support group which meets the first Tuesday of each month from 10:00 - 11:00am.

BOWLING CLUB

If you used to bowl or are interested in learning how, you may want to join the Bowling Club, which meets twice a month (2nd and 4th Wednesday) from 11:00am - 2:00pm at Crossroads Christian Church bowling lanes. There is no cost for bowling, and shoes and balls are available. If interested, contact Bill Jennings at 398-6025.

SOCIAL NITE

Thursday, April 3rd from 5:00 - 7:30pm. We will enjoy a wonderful meal at Chen’s Restaurant which is located at 4722 N. 2nd Street in Loves Park. Each individual pays for their own dinner. RSVP by March 28th, so a correct reservation is made. 

LUNCH BUNCH

Thursday, April 10th from 11:00am - 1:30pm. Lunch today is at Sheri’s Place which is located at 5859 Forest Hills Road. Each person pays for their own lunch. RSVP to the Center for Sight & Hearing by April 3rd so that a correct reservation is made. 

WCAB

WCAB will hold their next meeting on Monday, April 14th from 11:00am to 12:00noon.  This meeting is held at the Center for Sight & Hearing. RSVP by April 7th.    

FELLOWSHIP LUNCHEON

Wednesday, April 16th from 11:00am - 1:30pm. April’s Fellowship Luncheon will meet at Mr. C’s Family Restaurant, located at 4309 West State Street. Each person pays for their own meal. RSVP by April 9th. 

FUN FRIDAY

Friday, April 25th from 10:00am - 2:00pm. Melody Pearson, from the Alzheimer’s Association will speak on “Things to Do to Retain Your Memory.” Lunch will be ordered from Potbelly Sandwich Works, at a cost of $5.00 ea. Payment is due at sign-up, and you can choose between turkey, ham, and roast beef. For your entertainment, look forward to some great music provided by Matt Spinello and Co. Please let us know that you plan to attend by April 18th. Thank you.

LUNCH BUNCH

Thursday, May 8th from 11:00am - 1:30pm. We will meet for lunch at the Swedish Pancake House, which is located at 3600 N. Main Street. Each person pays for their own lunch.  RSVP by May 1st so that a correct reservation is made. 

WCAB

Monday, May 12th from 11:00am - 12:00pm. WCAB will meet at the Center for Sight & Hearing. RSVP by May 5th.   

FELLOWSHIP CLUB

Wednesday, May 21st from 11:30-2:00pm. This meeting is held at the Center for Sight & Hearing. We will have Social Planning Committee from 11:30 - 12:00pm, and regular Fellowship Club after that.  Bring a sack lunch. RSVP by May 14th. 

FUN FRIDAY

Friday, May 30th from 10:00am - 2:00pm. Ray Hughes, from the Center for Sight & Hearing, will speak about advocacy. Lunch is a potluck provided by YOU, so please bring a dish to pass. Captain John will then entertain us with “Tales from the Sea.”  RSVP by May 23rd. 

SOCIAL NITE

Thursday, June 5th from 5 - 7:30pm.  We will meet for dinner at Ruby Tuesday, which is located at 7616 Walton Drive. Each person pays for their own meal. RSVP to the Center for Sight & Hearing by May 29th, so that a correct dinner reservation is made. 

MACULAR DEGENERATION EXPO 2008

Friday, June 6th from 9:00am – 12:30pm. This fun-filled educational event will include informational booths, short seminars, free refreshments and prizes. No registration is required.

LOW VISION NEWS

SUPPLEMENTAL MEDICARE OPTIONS

On June 1, 2008, Medicare supplement policies that are available to persons over 65 years of age will be available to persons who become eligible for Medicare due to a disability.  Premium rates for these policies will vary. The Medicare Supplement Premium Comparison Guide is accessible online at www.idfpr.com/DOI/medsup/default.asp. A print copy may be ordered at 1-800-548-9034.

ONLINE JOB SITE

ABILITYJobs.com is a dedicated system to help people with disabilities find employment. The site offers both local and national job listings. You can post your resume, create cover letters, and search for positions.  Visit: www.abilityjobs.com.

LIGHTHOUSE PRESIDENT RETIRING

The Chicago Lighthouse announced the retirement of current president, James Kesteloot, effective January 2009. Mr. Kesteloot retired after a long and distinguished career in serving people with vision loss. The Center for Sight & Hearing salutes Jim for all that he did for people with vision loss.

MACULAR DEGENERATION AND BABY BOOMERS

Dr. Daniel Roberts, founder of MD Support, published an article in the “Advisor” offering an overview of macular degeneration, how to slow its progress and current research. The article is aimed at baby boomers whose parents may have macular degeneration and are at greater risk for the disease.  Visit http://www.mdsupport.org/library/saveyoursight.pdf.

NEW HADLEY COURSE

The Hadley School for the Blind offers a new course for those considering a guide dog. The course provides information about working with a guide dog and applying to guide dog schools. The appendix has a self-assessment to help you in the decision-making process. Call 1-800-526-9909 for additional information.

CELL PHONE THAT READS TO THE BLIND

K-NFB Technologies has announced the availability to K-NFB Reader, the smallest text-to-speech reading devices. This Nokia N82 cell phone has a Reader that turns text or photographed documents into speech. Examples of uses are menus and currency identification. Cost is $2,100. For more information, visit http://www.knfbreader.com/products-mobile.php.

EASY RECIPE

Lemonade Pie 

"Lemonade flavored cheese cake. . . almost. Easy and wonderful!"

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (9 inch) prepared graham cracker crust
• 3/4 cup frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

DIRECTIONS

In a blender, combine lemonade concentrate, cream cheese, and condensed milk. Blend on medium speed until mixture is smooth.  (You can also use a mixer, if preferred).  Transfer mixture to a bowl and fold in whipped topping. Pour mixture into graham cracker crust. Chill before serving.

PERFORMANCE CORNER

CENTER FOR SIGHT & HEARING SERVICE REPORT

Referrals

include any individual that was referred to the Center for Sight & Hearing for any service provided.

Community Services

include the number of individuals that attend presentations, health fairs, support groups, and meetings attended by Center for Sight & Hearing staff.

Services provided

include the number of individuals who receive any service from the Center.  Some of the numbers may be duplicated, as many individuals receive more than one service from the Center.

Staff Trainings

During January and February, Center for Sight & Hearing staff participated in the following trainings:

• First Aid Certification
• Outlook Training
• MS Excel
• Mental Health Interpreting
• Sales and Use Tax Seminar
• Sign Language
• Cultural and Lexical Variation in Black Signing
• Engaging Generations
• SCORE Business Plan
• Planned Giving/NICHE
• Non Profits and Cash Flow
• 2008 Labor and Employment Seminar
• Funding Your Business/SCORE
• Succession Planning

Life with hearing loss, Today & Tomorrow

Currently, there are over 30 million Americans living with hearing loss, yet many of us know nothing of how the body actually “hears” sound.  We often see advertisements that don’t make things any clearer, and can actually discourage us from seeking hearing help because of the confusion created.  All of this can make it very overwhelming when trying to navigate through the options for hearing loss. 

If you’ve ever had questions about why hearing aids aren’t always enough or wondered why you can hear certain sounds and not others, this is the seminar for you.  Our not-for-profit Center is offering an educational seminar in which presenters will discuss how we hear, the difference between hearing and listening, hearing options other than hearing aids (such as FM systems, TV solutions, cochlear implants and bone anchored hearing aids),and ITAC amplified phones, along with a variety other topics.  You will have the opportunity to see live captioning in action, and receive information on how this and other hearing accessibility programs can be used in public venues. You can obtain hands-on, or rather “ears-on”, experience at various demonstration booths so that you can see, feel, and listen first hand to solutions that enhance your hearing with or without hearing aids.  Please join us in support of the month of May, which is “Better Hearing and Speech Month”.  It’s time to hear what it’s all about!

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS

April and May Inside Store Sales

Remember your veterans and mothers with gift ideas. Assist them with enhancing their quality of everyday life.

10 % off the following….

Dry and Store appliance that also sanitizes with ultraviolet light: Regular Price: $99.95

New Product for Individuals with Vision Loss

The Writing Guide Value Kit :
Features 4 guides, contrast pen, and 7/8” lined writing paper in a plastic snap portfolio, from the following attractive colors: lavender, turquoise, and black onyx. Regular Price: $11.95

New Technology for Captel Phone Service!

Information on the freedom of mobility and access to captions regardless of location via the website on your computer has just been announced. Details in the next newsletter.

Coming Soon to the Center for Sight & Hearing!

Rose colored sunglasses, known as FL-41 tint, will be available for both plain and prescription glasses for eyes that are photophobic. They reduce glare and relieve discomfort caused by migraines.

Call (815-332-6800) or visit the SIMPLE SOLUTIONS store to discover just the right solution for your needs.

Events for Individuals with Hearing Loss

ROCKFORD SENIOR CITIZENS FOR THE DEAF

The Senior Luncheon “Hunting Day” is Thursday, April 10th, 10:00am – 3:30pm.  A - G = Dessert, H - M = Casserole, N – S = Hot Vegetable Dish, T – Z = Hot or Cold Salad or Jello. 

The “Garden Hat Day” is Thursday, May 8th, 10am – 3:30pm at the Center.  A – G = Hot or Cold Salad or Jello, H – M = Dessert, N – S = Casserole, T – Z = Hot or Cold Vegetable Dish. Make your own Garden Hat for the best contest!!

BUSY BEE CRAFT CLASS

Busy Bee Craft Class meets April 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th. And on May 7th, 14th, 21th, and 28th from 9:30 - 11:30am at the Center.  Please bring some craft ideas for the 2008 holidays, birthdays, special loved ones, etc. 

News from Deaf Seniors

February News

Happy Valentine to you all!
Oh! What a wonderful Valentine Party for everyone who came. We truly enjoyed it.  Everyone got a beautiful homemade weave cloth box filled with Valentine heart shaped candy. The food was delicious and almost everyone wore red clothing.  The best red costume went to Joyce Freeman.

Remember the sick: We are saddened to learn Pat Cleveland went to the hospital two weeks ago with pneumonia, then had a heart problem and stayed in the hospital more than a week.  Now he is home, but has a sore on his temple that requires testing.  So pray for him.  However, Ruth did come alone today. 
Remember to pray for Mary Hendrix. She is still in Arizona; she has been in the hospital with bronchitis. She is doing a little better. She said that she can’t wait to come home and see all of you in April. 
Also, pray for Kristi Acker as we all very well know what her problem is.
Also, pray for Paul Hoover as he had surgery last month.  He is doing much better. 
Weather lately has been horrible and almost all of us had to stay home to be warm.  We hope to see better weather on the way! OK.
See you all in March.

Reporter, Lois Nelson

March News

We had a wonderful time and great ideas for the party, especially the prizes that were won and given away.  The food was great, too. But to my disappointment, no corned beef and cabbage that I love! Ha!
New visitors – Ralph Stone from Rockford, Dorothy Grant from Schaumburg, IL, and Pamela Wojcik from Chicago, IL.  It was good to see some of the old timers coming back who didn’t come during the coldest weather!
Mary Permin went to Florida to celebrate her sister in law’s birthday, who just turned 100 years old. Mary also had surgery on her left shoulder and now is wearing a shoulder wrap for six weeks.
Margaret Pendergast has been having pain in her back for sometime and will have to take a MRI or CAT scan. We will pray for the ladies for a speedy recovery.
I wish you all a Happy and Blessed Easter!
See you next month for Hunting Day fun.

Reporter Lois Nelson

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